3 - Moving off and stopping

Aim

• To move the vehicle off under full control at the first attempt.
• To bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.

Situation

• The vehicle should be parked on a safe, flat roadway with at least 50 metres of uninterrupted straight roadway ahead.
• The engine should be running.

The driver should

• When moving off:
  • Disengage the clutch by pressing down on the clutch pedal and selecting first gear (manual) or place foot on the brake and select drive (automatic). 
    Note: when driving automatic vehicles use the right foot for both the brake pedal and the accelerator.
  • Release the handbrake/park brake.
  • Slowly push down on the accelerator while slowly releasing the clutch pedal (manual) until the clutch reaches the friction point (the engine sound will change and drive is engaged) or remove foot from brake and slowly push down on the accelerator (automatic).
  • Hold the steering wheel with a light grip, with hands in the ‘quarter to three’ position or slightly lower, and keep the vehicle moving in a straight line without much steering input.
    Steering Control Driving forward through 90-degree turns.

Where to hold steering wheel

• • Accelerate quickly but safely, without stalling or rolling back.
• When stopping:
  • Slowly take right foot off the accelerator pedal.
  • Smoothly push the brake pedal with right foot.
  • Just before the vehicle stops, press the clutch pedal fully to the floor (manual).
  • Bring the vehicle to a smooth stop.
  • Put the vehicle into neutral (manual) or park (automatic).
  • Put the handbrake/park brake on and switch the engine off.
  • Perform the tasks at least twice.